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Illustration: A lit steam train with a wreath crossing a snowy valley beside a Christmas tree
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Christmas

Santa Special Dublin — Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

  • Run by Railway Preservation Society of Ireland
  • Dublin Connolly — Dublin, Leinster, Ireland

Next: Nov 28 – Dec 13, 2026 · Sold out

A vintage-train round trip from Dublin Connolly to Maynooth and back with Santa on board, run by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland on selected weekends before Christmas.

Updated

Next edition

Nov 28 – Dec 13, 2026

Sold out

Saturdays and Sundays Nov 28-29, Dec 5-6 and 12-13: three departures a day, about 10:00, 13:00 and 16:20 on Saturdays and 10:10, 13:30 and 16:25 on Sundays.

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About this event

The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland runs its Santa Special as a return journey by vintage train from Dublin Connolly to Maynooth, with an on-board visit from Santa. Children can tell him their Christmas wishes and receive a selection box, and there is time for photographs with Santa beside the train.

Santa and musicians pass through the train, and mince pies and mulled wine are available from the dining car. The operator says the train is a heritage diesel locomotive hauling its vintage coaching stock, with a snack car and a bar car with draught and craft beer, and that the whole trip lasts around two hours.

What to expect

A return trip of around two hours from Dublin Connolly to Maynooth, reaching Maynooth about 40 minutes after leaving Dublin and leaving again after 30 minutes. Santa visits every passenger, children receive a selection box, musicians play on board and mince pies and mulled wine are on sale.

Practical info

Departs from Dublin Connolly station. The operator's FAQ asks passengers to arrive at least 30 minutes before the train time. Seat allocations are advised before the train date, and a party should make one booking to be seated together. Because space is very limited, parents are asked not to bring prams and buggies where possible. The vintage carriages are not wheelchair accessible. Advance ticket purchase is essential.

Where it happens

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Frequently asked questions

Where does the Dublin Santa Special go?▾
It is a return journey by vintage train from Dublin Connolly to Maynooth. The operator says the train reaches Maynooth about 40 minutes after leaving Dublin and leaves again after 30 minutes.
How long does the trip last?▾
The operator says the whole trip lasts around two hours.
What happens on board?▾
Santa visits the train so children can tell him their wishes and receive a selection box. Santa and musicians pass through the train, and mince pies and mulled wine can be bought from the dining car.
Is the train steam hauled?▾
No. The page says the train is a heritage diesel locomotive hauling the society's vintage coaching stock.
When should we arrive?▾
The operator's FAQ says at least 30 minutes before the train time to allow everyone to be seated.
Can I bring a pram or wheelchair?▾
Space is very limited, so parents are asked not to bring prams and buggies where possible, and the carriages are not wheelchair accessible.

Sources

Dates checked on Nov 8, 2026 from the official site: steamtrainsireland.com. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: steamtrainsireland.com

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